[Sportschosun Jung Bit] No Hong-chul, Choi Kang-rok, Gyeong-pyo, and Pani Bottle are traveling through theme parks around the world, united by their shared love of amusement parks.
MBC’s new variety show, Play-er Coaster, which premieres on the 21st, is a reality travel program that explores unusual theme parks and amusement parks in countries around the world. From high-speed roller coasters to theme parks with unique concepts, the show captures a different kind of travel story against a variety of backdrops.
Producer Shin Hyun-bin, who directed the program, raised expectations for the first broadcast by revealing the show’s concept, the casting behind the scenes, and key points to watch.
Shin said No Hong-chul was the starting point for the program. "While talking about travel with No Hong-chul, I noticed how excited he became whenever amusement parks came up," Shin said. "I thought amusement parks were places where adults could briefly return to their childhood."
"Rather than focusing on which rides they would take, we concentrated on the stories and character of the parks themselves," Shin explained. "We selected places that hold world records or stand out for their operating methods, locations, or themes." The cast filmed over one week, visiting a total of six theme parks.
Attention is also on the cast lineup. Shin said, "We first cast Pani Bottle because I thought he could create a natural rhythm with No Hong-chul."
About Choi Kang-rok, Shin said, "During our pre-meeting, he said, 'There is a madman inside me too.' He told us he loves amusement parks so much that he visits as soon as they open and goes right away when a new ride is introduced." Shin added, "I thought the side of him he usually keeps hidden would fit the program well."
As for Gyeong-pyo, Shin explained the casting choice by saying he is a fan who visits a wide range of amusement parks in the United States and Japan, and that he has an unpretentious, human charm.
Shin pointed to the chemistry among the four as a key viewing point. In particular, he asked viewers to pay attention to the relationship that will emerge between the completely opposite personalities of No Hong-chul and Choi Kang-rok.
"No Hong-chul has an extreme E personality, while Chef Choi Kang-rok has an extreme I personality. Their temperaments are different, but their pure passion for theme parks is the same," Shin said. "No Hong-chul keeps pouring out energy, and Chef Choi responds in his own way. It will be fun to watch how close the two can get."
He added, "Another appeal of the program is the process in which the 'madness' of four people with different personalities comes together inside the amusement park."
MBC’s Play-er Coaster, which follows the amusement park road trip of No Hong-chul, Choi Kang-rok, Gyeong-pyo, and Pani Bottle, will premiere on the 21st at 9:10 p.m.
Jung Bit, Sportschosun
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